In a criminal case, the state, through a prosecutor, initiates the suit, while in a civil case the victim brings the suit. Persons convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or both. Criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime, and defend their rights at each stage of a misdemeanor or felony case -- from an arrest to an appeal after conviction. Criminal defense attorneys may be hired privately or provided by the government (called "public defenders").
Niangua is a city in Webster County, Missouri, United States. The population was 445 at the 2000 census. It lies three miles from Interstate 44 and five miles north of Marshfield. Niangua is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. United States Congressman Roy Blunt was born in Niangua. Evangelist and gospel singer, Scott Fraker is a graduate of Niangua High School.